Dog-Friendly dinner Santa Barbara - Atascadero?

We will be traveling up the coast with our 2 dogs on Friday 31 August. We should be looking for dinner somewhere between Santa Barbara and our overnight in Atascadero. I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a place we might stop where the dogs can eat outside with us? If not, is there a great casual must-stop place we should stop in anyway while the dogs sulk in the car? Thanks! Molly

You could do Mexican inspired seafood at Pete's Pierside on the Harford pier in Avila Beach. The only seating is outdoor patio, and maybe your dogs would scare away the pigeons! Very good F&C and fish tacos, etc. Nice beer choice and a view unequaled elsewhere on the coast. Inexpensive. Park at the foot of the pier put on the leashes and walk out to Pete's. (change of ownership, but reputed to be carrying on by Courtney, Pete's manager.)

If you like clam chowder, you could stop at Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach. It is reputed to be the world's best and I have to agree. The doggies would have to sulk in the car, but you could take them out for a stroll afterward. Lots of good smells for them and a dog store a couple doors away.